Flexible magnetic fiber to carry fake lashes

ABSTRACT

A magnetic fake eyelash comprises a magnetic flexible fiber or strip including particles and a resin; and eyelashes attached to the magnetic flexible fiber or strip, wherein the flexible fiber of strip has a length greater than an average human eyelid. A method of applying a magnetic fake eyelash comprises cutting down to a size to fit on an eyelid of a person, a magnetic fiber or strip having attached thereto eyelashes to provide a magnetic fake eyelash that can fit on the eyelid of the person; applying a composition to the eyelid, wherein the composition comprises particles attracted to a magnets; and applying the cut magnetic fake eyelash to the applied composition.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a magnetic fake eyelash according to the disclosure, simplifies the process and design of current magnetic fake eyelashes by reducing the steps for creating the magnetic fake eyelash. In one embodiment, the present fake eyelash allows the consumer to be able to modify the curve and length of the fake eyelash to better match their specific eye shape.

According to one embodiment, a magnetic fake eyelash according to the disclosure uses a flexible magnetic fiber or strip as the carrier to replace the 2 to 5 magnets that are currently glued to a fiber of conventional fake eyelashes of FIG. 1.

In one embodiment, the flexible magnetic fiber or strip is extruded or molded in a way to allow it to be flexible to allow bending of the fiber or strip to match the contour of the consumers' eye and thin enough to be easily cut to match the consumers eye line. The extruded shape of the fiber could be round, square, rectangular, or triangular.

Additionally, since the entire carrier fiber or strip is magnetic, the consumer can cut the fake eyelash to the individual length that a consumer needs without losing a magnet.

According to one embodiment, a magnetic fake eyelash according to the disclosure improves the performance compared to the existing fake eyelashes on the market. The existing fake eyelashes can require ‘sandwiching’ two magnetic fake eyelashes together.

In one embodiment, the fake eyelash of this disclosure is used in conjunction with an eyeliner formula containing iron oxide, or iron powder. Therefore, the fake eyelash of this disclosure would not need to be sandwiched.

In one embodiment, a magnetic fake eyelash comprises a magnetic flexible fiber or strip including particles and a resin; and eyelashes attached to the magnetic flexible fiber or strip, wherein the flexible fiber of strip has a length greater than an average human eyelid.

In one embodiment, the fiber or strip has a length greater than 1.5 inches. In one embodiment, the fiber or strip has a length greater than 2 inches.

In one embodiment, the fiber or strip produces a magnetic field.

In one embodiment, the particles include hard magnetic particles that retain their magnetism.

In one embodiment, the resin is a thermoplastic elastomeric resin.

In one embodiment, the magnetic fake eyelash comprises magnetic particles distributed homogenously throughout the length of the fiber or strip.

In one embodiment, a combination of a fake eyelash and eyeliner composition comprises a fake eyelash having a flexible fiber or strip including first particles and a resin; and eyelashes attached to the flexible fiber or strip, wherein the flexible fiber or strip has a length greater than an average human eyelid; and an eyeliner composition having second particles, wherein the first and second particles are attracted to one another.

In one embodiment, the first particles are magnetic particles that produce a magnetic field, and the second particles are attracted to magnets.

In one embodiment, the second particles are magnetic particles that produce a magnetic field, and the first particles are attracted to magnets.

In one embodiment, the first and the second particles are the same or different magnetic particles that produce a magnetic field.

In one embodiment, the flexible fiber or strip comprises magnetic particles distributed homogenously throughout the length of the fiber or strip

In one embodiment, a method of making a magnetic fake eyelash comprises attaching eyelashes to a fiber or strip having magnetic particles, wherein the fiber or strip has a length greater than an average human eyelid.

In one embodiment, the fiber or strip has a length greater than 1.5 inches.

In one embodiment, the fiber or strip has a length greater than 2 inches.

In one embodiment, the fiber or strip is made from combining magnetizable particles and a resin, wherein the magnetizable particles are distributed homogenously in the resin.

In one embodiment, the magnetizable particles are passed over a magnet to permanently magnetize the magnetizable particles.

In one embodiment, a method of making a magnetic fake eyelash comprises cutting down to a size to fit on an eyelid of a person, a magnetic fiber or strip having attached thereto eyelashes to provide a magnetic fake eyelash that can fit on the eyelid of the person.

In one embodiment, the magnetic fiber or strip comprises magnetic particles.

In one embodiment, a method of applying a magnetic fake eyelash comprises cutting down to a size to fit on an eyelid of a person, a magnetic fiber or strip having attached thereto eyelashes to provide a magnetic fake eyelash that can fit on the eyelid of the person; applying a composition to the eyelid, wherein the composition comprises particles attracted to a magnets; and applying the cut magnetic fake eyelash to the applied composition.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatical illustration of a prior art magnetic fake eyelash;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatical illustration of a magnetic fake eyelash according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatical illustration of a magnetic fake eyelash according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatical illustration of a close-up of a magnetic fiber or strip having magnetic particles and a resin;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatical illustration illustrating a step of applying magnetic fake eyelashes; and

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatical illustration illustrating a step of applying magnetic fake eyelashes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a prior art magnetic fake eyelash 100 comprising a non-magnetic fiber 102 and discrete magnets 104, 106 adhered on the opposite ends of the fiber 102. The fiber 102 is provided in a length that is approximately the length of the eyelid on which the fake eyelash is to be applied. Small and large tufts of eyelashes 112 are attached to the fiber 102 with an adhesive 110, 108.

Referring to FIG. 2, a fake eyelash 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a flexible magnetic fiber or strip 202 on which small and large tufts of eyelashes 204 are attached to the fiber 202. The placement of the small and large tufts of eyelashes can appear to be placed randomly to give the appearance of real eyelashes as possible. The magnetic fiber or strip 202 produces a magnetic field so as to create an attraction to materials that are attracted to magnets.

In one embodiment, the magnetic fiber or strip 202 produces a magnetic field even when the fiber or strip 202 is not in proximity to other magnets or influenced by external magnetic fields. When particles produce a magnetic field, the particles are said to be magnetic particles.

In one embodiment, the eyelash hairs 204 are attached with an adhesive. In one embodiment, the eyelash hairs 204 are attached via plastic welding. In one embodiment, the eyelash hairs 204 are attached with staples. In one embodiment, the eyelash hairs 204 are folded and punched into the fiber or strip 202. In one embodiment, the eyelash hairs 204 are attached individually or in bunches.

In one embodiment, the length of the fiber or strip 202 exceeds the length of any average human eyelid on which the fake eyelash 200 is to be applied. However, the fiber or strip 202 is cuttable with ordinary household scissors or a knife to a length, such as a length denoted by dotted line 206 to provide a custom length of the magnetic fake eyelash.

In one embodiment, the fiber or strip 202 is made by combining magnetic or magnetizable particles or both with resin as a bonding agent.

In one embodiment, any magnetic or magnetizable particles can be used including, but not limited to, iron, any form of iron oxide, ferric oxide (Fe2O3), iron oxide (Fe3O4), ferrites, AlNiCo alloys, rare earth magnets, such as NdFeB. In one embodiment, the magnetic or magnetizable particles are hard magnets or permanent magnets that can retain their magnetism after being magnetized or after being moved away from an external magnetic field. In one embodiment, a soft magnet made of annealed iron can lose their magnetism.

Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the flexible fiber or strip 202 is made by combining a mixture of the magnetic or magnetizable particles 404 with a plastic or elastomeric resin 402. In one embodiment, the resin 402 is a thermoplastic elastomeric resin.

In one embodiment, the magnetic or magnetizable particles 404 comprise greater than 90% by volume of the fiber or strip 202. In one embodiment, the magnetic or magnetizable particles 404 comprise less than 90% by volume of the fiber or strip 202. In one embodiment, the magnetic or magnetizable particles 404 comprise less than 80% by volume of the fiber or strip 202. In one embodiment, the magnetic or magnetizable particles 404 comprise less than 70% by volume of the fiber or strip 202. In one embodiment, the magnetic or magnetizable particles 404 comprise less than 60% by volume of the fiber or strip 202. In one embodiment, the magnetic or magnetizable particles 404 comprise less than 50% by volume of the fiber or strip 202. In one embodiment, the magnetic or magnetizable particles 404 comprise less than 40% by volume of the fiber or strip 202. In one embodiment, the magnetic or magnetizable particles 404 comprise less than 30% by volume of the fiber or strip 202. In one embodiment, the magnetic or magnetizable particles 404 comprise less than 20% by volume of the fiber or strip 202. In one embodiment, the magnetic or magnetizable particles 404 comprise less than 10% by volume of the fiber or strip 202. In one embodiment, the magnetic or magnetizable particles 404 comprise about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, about 90% by volume, or any range using any two of these values as the upper and lower endpoints of the range.

In one embodiment, the magnetic or magnetizable particles have an average size of about 5 μm.

In one embodiment, the magnetic or magnetizable particles have average size of from about 1 μm to about 5 μm.

In one embodiment, the magnetic or magnetizable particles have average size of from about 1 μm to 10 μm.

In one embodiment, the magnetic or magnetizable particles have average size of from about 1 μm to 20 μm.

In one embodiment, the magnetic or magnetizable particles have average size of from about 1 μm to 50 μm.

In one embodiment, the magnetic or magnetizable particles have average size of from about 1 μm to 100 μm.

In one embodiment, the magnetic or magnetizable particles have an average size greater than 100 μm.

In one embodiment, the magnetic or magnetizable particles have an average size less than 1 μm.

In one embodiment, a magnetizable fiber or strip 202 is made by combining one or more of the magnetic or magnetizable particles 404, one or more resins 402, optionally adding one or more additives, heating the mixture, and then extruding the mixture through a die. Extruded fibers can have a cross-sectional shape that is round, square, rectangular, or triangular, or any other polygonal shape or combination of shapes. Extruded fibers can be single fibers or multicomponent fibers. In one embodiment, the magnetic or magnetizable particles 404 become distributed homogenously in the resin, which will result in the entire length of the fiber or strip 202 being magnetic. Extrusion can produce very long fibers or strips. Therefore, the extrusion is cut to more manageable length fibers or strips into sizes intended for retail sales. For example, the extruded fiber or strip is cut a size that will be sold to the ultimate consumer and user of the fake eyelash.

In one embodiment, a magnetic fiber or strip 202 is made by combining one or more of the magnetic or magnetizable particles 404, one or more resins 402, optionally adding one or more additives, and then calendering the mixture. In one embodiment, the magnetic or magnetizable particles 404 become distributed homogenously in the resin, which will result in the entire length of the fiber or strip 202 being magnetic. Calendering refers to passing the mixture between one or more pairs of rollers. Once the desired thickness is achieved, the sheet is cut into the fibers or strips 202 intended for retail sales. In either case of extruding or calendering, the fiber or strip 202 is flexible so as to be bent to match the contour of a consumer's eye and thin enough to be easily cut to length to match the length of the consumer's eye line.

In one embodiment, the largest cross-sectional dimension, or for round fibers, the diameter, of the fiber or strip 202 is about 3 mm, about 2 mm, or about 1 mm. In one embodiment, the largest cross-sectional dimension, or for round fibers, the diameter, is about 0.9 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.1 mm, or any range using any two of these values as the upper and lower endpoints of the range.

In one embodiment, the cross-sectional dimension, or for round fibers, the diameter, of the fiber or strip 202 is about 0.25 mm to about 2.5 mm.

In one embodiment, the length dimension of the fiber or strip 202 is greater than any average human eyelid. In one embodiment, the length dimension of the fiber or strip 202 is greater than 1.5 inches. In one embodiment, the length dimension of the fiber or strip 202 is greater than 2 inches. In one embodiment, the length dimension of the fiber or strip 202 is greater than 3 inches. In one embodiment, the length dimension of the fiber or strip 202 is greater than 5 inches. In one embodiment, the fiber or strip 202 length is based on the number lashes that are anticipated to be cut from the one continuous fiber or strip 202. For example, a one foot long fiber or strip 202 can yield from 10 to 12 fake eyelashes, for example. Fibers or strips 202 can be provided in a length that can yield from 2 to 3 useful fake eyelashes up to one hundred or more, for example.

In either case of extruding or calendering, when using magnetizable particles 404, the extrusion or sheet is passed or a magnetic field to magnetize the magnetizable particles to render them magnetic particles. The hard magnetic particles will retain their magnetism once removed from the external magnetic field.

When an entire fiber or strip 202 is magnetized, there are no discrete magnets as in the prior art fake eyelashes, since the magnetic particles are distributed homogenously throughout the length in the fiber or strip 202 producing a magnetic field throughout the whole length of the fiber or strip 202.

In one embodiment, magnetizable particles 404 are made magnetic particles before being combined with a resin, followed by extrusion or calendaring as desired.

In one embodiment, fake or real human or animal hairs 204 are adhered or otherwise attached to the fiber or strip 202. The attachment of the fake or real hairs 204 on the fiber or strip 202 can take place before or after magnetization of the magnetic particles 404. In one embodiment, the fake or real human or animal hairs 204 are adhered or otherwise attached to the fiber or strip 202 after the extrusion or sheet is cut to the final length for retail sales.

Referring to FIG. 3, a magnetic fake eyelash 300 is illustrated after having been cut down to a useable size from the longer magnetic fake eyelash 200 of FIG. 2, and therefore has the same fiber or strip 202 and the same eyelashes 204 as the fake eyelash 200. The magnetic fake eyelash 300 is used to enhance the real eyelashes of a person.

Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, before applying the magnetic fake eyelash 300 on an eyelid 500, an eyeliner composition 502, containing particles 506 that are attracted to magnets, is applied to the eyelid 500, for example, just above the real eyelash 508 for the upper eyelid, and just below the real eyelash for the lower eyelid.

In one embodiment, particles 506 that are attracted to magnets include metal or minerals. In one embodiment, metal particles include iron. In one embodiment, mineral particles include iron.

In one embodiment, particles 506 that are attracted to magnets do not produce a magnetic field of themselves, but, can be magnetized in proximity to external magnetic fields. However, particles 506 that are attracted to magnets can lose their magnetism after an external magnetic field is removed.

In one embodiment, the particles 506 comprise greater than 90% by volume of the eyeliner composition 502. In one embodiment, the particles 506 that are attracted to magnets comprise less than 90% by volume of the eyeliner composition 502. In one embodiment, the particles 506 that are attracted to magnets comprise less than 80% by volume of the eyeliner composition 502. In one embodiment, the particles 506 that are attracted to magnets comprise less than 70% by volume of the eyeliner composition 502. In one embodiment, the particles 506 that are attracted to magnets comprise less than 60% by volume of the eyeliner composition 502. In one embodiment, the particles 506 that are attracted to magnets comprise less than 50% by volume of the eyeliner composition 502. In one embodiment, the particles 506 that are attracted to magnets comprise less than 40% by volume of the eyeliner composition 502. In one embodiment, the particles 506 that are attracted to magnets comprise less than 30% by volume of the eyeliner composition 502. In one embodiment, the particles 506 that are attracted to magnets comprise less than 20% by volume of the eyeliner composition 502. In one embodiment, the particles 506 that are attracted to magnets comprise less than 10% by volume of the eyeliner composition 502. In one embodiment, the particles 506 that are attracted to magnets comprise about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, about 90% by volume, or any range using any two of these values as the upper and lower endpoints of the range.

In one embodiment, the particles attracted to magnets have an average size of about 5 μm.

In one embodiment, the particles attracted to magnets have average size of from about 1 μm to about 5 μm.

In one embodiment, the particles attracted to magnets have average size of from about 1 μm to 10 μm.

In one embodiment, the particles attracted to magnets have average size of from about 1 μm to 20 μm.

In one embodiment, the particles attracted to magnets have average size of from about 1 μm to 50 μm.

In one embodiment, the particles attracted to magnets have average size of from about 1 μm to 100 μm.

In one embodiment, the particles attracted to magnets have an average size greater than 100 μm.

In one embodiment, the particles attracted to magnets have an average size less than 1 μm.

In one embodiment, the eyeliner composition 502 is a solid composition, and is applied, for example, with an applicator 504 such as an eyeliner pencil.

In one embodiment, the eyeliner composition 502 is a fluid composition, and is applied, for example, with an applicator, such as a brush.

In one embodiment, additional components in the eyeliner composition 502 are selected from one or more of the following, pigments, plasticizers, such as polysorbate, celluloses, glycerin, and the like, carriers such as water or alcohol, preservatives, waxes, and moisturizers.

In one embodiment, a combination of a fake eyelash 200 and eyeliner composition 502 is provided, wherein a fake eyelash 200 is made from a flexible fiber or strip 202 including first particles 404 and a resin 402 and eyelashes 204 are adhered to the flexible fiber or strip 202, wherein the flexible fiber or strip 202 has a length greater than an average human eyelid; and the eyeliner composition 502 has second particles 506.

In one embodiment, the combination is provided where the first particles are magnetic particles that produce a magnetic field, and the second particles are attracted to magnets.

In one embodiment, the combination is provided where the second particles are magnetic particles that produce a magnetic field, and the first particles are attracted to magnets.

In one embodiment, the first and the second particles are the same or different magnetic particles that produce a magnetic field.

In one embodiment, the flexible fiber or strip comprises magnetic particles distributed homogenously throughout the length of the fiber or strip

In one embodiment, a method of applying a magnetic fake eyelash 300 includes cutting down to a size to fit on an eyelid 500 of a person, a magnetic fake eyelash 300 from a longer magnetic fake eyelash 200 to provide the magnetic fake eyelash 300 that can fit on the eyelid 500 of the person.

In one embodiment, a method of applying a cut-to-size magnetic fake eyelash 300 to either an upper or lower eyelid includes applying the eyeliner composition 502 adjacent to the eyelid 500 edge next to or in some cases on the real eyelashes 508, and then, placing the cut-to-size magnetic fake eyelash 300 so that an attraction is created between the magnetic particles 404 in the fiber or strip 202 with the particles 506 attracted to magnets in the eyeliner composition 502 as shown in FIG. 6.

In one embodiment, the method may also comprise determining a length of the magnetic fake eyelash that is to be cut.

In one embodiment, a magnetic fake eyelash 200 comprises a magnetic flexible fiber or strip 202 including particles 404 and a resin 402; and eyelashes 204 attached to the magnetic flexible fiber or strip, wherein the flexible fiber of strip has a length greater than an average human eyelid.

In one embodiment, the fiber or strip 202 has a length greater than 1.5 inches. In one embodiment, the fiber or strip 202 has a length greater than 2 inches. In one embodiment, the fiber or strip 202 produces a magnetic field.

In one embodiment, the particles 404 include hard magnetic particles that retain their magnetism.

In one embodiment, the resin 402 is a thermoplastic elastomeric resin.

In one embodiment, the magnetic fake eyelash 200 comprises magnetic particles 404 distributed homogenously throughout the length of the fiber or strip.

In one embodiment, a method of making a magnetic fake eyelash 200 comprises attaching eyelashes 204 to a fiber or strip 202 having magnetic particles 404, wherein the fiber or strip has a length greater than an average human eyelid.

In one embodiment, the fiber or strip 202 has a length greater than 1.5 inches. In one embodiment, the fiber or strip 202 has a length greater than 2 inches. In one embodiment, the fiber or strip 202 is made from combining magnetizable particles 404 and a resin 402, wherein the magnetizable particles are distributed homogenously in the resin.

In one embodiment, the magnetizable particles 404 are passed over a magnet to permanently magnetize the magnetizable particles.

In one embodiment, a method of making a magnetic fake eyelash 300 comprises cutting down to a size to fit on an eyelid 500 of a person, a magnetic fiber or strip 202 having attached thereto eyelashes 204 to provide a magnetic fake eyelash 300 that can fit on the eyelid of the person.

In one embodiment, the magnetic fiber or strip 202 comprises magnetic particles 404.

In one embodiment, a method of applying a magnetic fake eyelash 300 comprises cutting down to a size to fit on an eyelid 500 of a person, a magnetic fiber or strip 202 having attached thereto eyelashes 204 to provide a magnetic fake eyelash 300 that can fit on the eyelid of the person; applying a composition 502 to the eyelid, wherein the composition comprises particles 506 attracted to a magnets; and applying the cut magnetic fake eyelash 300 to the applied composition.

While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A magnetic fake eyelash, comprising: a magnetic flexible fiber or strip including particles and a resin; and eyelashes attached to the magnetic flexible fiber or strip, wherein the flexible fiber of strip has a length greater than an average human eyelid.
 2. The magnetic fake eyelash of claim 1, wherein the fiber or strip has a length greater than 1.5 inches.
 3. The magnetic fake eyelash of claim 1, wherein the fiber or strip has a length greater than 2 inches.
 4. The magnetic fake eyelash of claim 1, wherein the fiber or strip produces a magnetic field.
 5. The magnetic fake eyelash of claim 1, wherein the particles include hard magnetic particles that retain their magnetism.
 6. The magnetic fake eyelash of claim 1, wherein the resin is a thermoplastic elastomeric resin.
 7. The magnetic fake eyelash of claim 1, comprising magnetic particles distributed homogenously throughout the length of the fiber or strip.
 8. A combination of a fake eyelash and eyeliner composition, comprising: a fake eyelash having a flexible fiber or strip including first particles and a resin; and eyelashes attached to the flexible fiber or strip, wherein the flexible fiber or strip has a length greater than an average human eyelid; and an eyeliner composition having second particles, wherein the first and second particles are attracted to one another.
 9. The combination of claim 8, wherein the first particles are magnetic particles that produce a magnetic field, and the second particles are attracted to magnets.
 10. The combination of claim 8, wherein the second particles are magnetic particles that produce a magnetic field, and the first particles are attracted to magnets.
 11. The combination of claim 8, wherein the first and the second particles are the same or different magnetic particles that produce a magnetic field.
 12. The combination of claim 8, wherein the flexible fiber or strip comprises magnetic particles distributed homogenously throughout the length of the fiber or strip
 13. A method of making a magnetic fake eyelash, comprising attaching eyelashes to a fiber or strip having magnetic particles, wherein the fiber or strip has a length greater than an average human eyelid.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the fiber or strip has a length greater than 1.5 inches.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the fiber or strip has a length greater than 2 inches.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the fiber or strip is made from combining magnetizable particles and a resin, wherein the magnetizable particles are distributed homogenously in the resin.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the magnetizable particles are passed over a magnet to permanently magnetize the magnetizable particles.
 18. A method of making a magnetic fake eyelash, comprising cutting down to a size to fit on an eyelid of a person, a magnetic fiber or strip having attached thereto eyelashes to provide a magnetic fake eyelash that can fit on the eyelid of the person.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the magnetic fiber or strip comprises magnetic particles.
 20. A method of applying a magnetic fake eyelash, comprising; cutting down to a size to fit on an eyelid of a person, a magnetic fiber or strip having attached thereto eyelashes to provide a magnetic fake eyelash that can fit on the eyelid of the person; applying a composition to the eyelid, wherein the composition comprises particles attracted to a magnets; and applying the cut magnetic fake eyelash to the applied composition. 